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Sean Martin
Nov 11, 2020, Updated Nov 21, 2023
Looking for ideas on what to smoke for Thanksgiving? We have 30 Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas to cook outside, on the grill or smoker. These Smoker Thanksgiving Recipes (and grill) are some of our most popular tried and true holiday recipes.
For other holidays, especially Christmas, check out our roundup of holiday recipes for the grill and smoker.
We have testing smoker Thanksgiving recipes outside for years because we love the flavor and it keeps the kitchen free to hang out and do smaller prep work. We have also learned how to stagger a lot of the work so we aren’t scrambling the day of, making for the least stressful Thanksgiving dinner possible.
Table of Contents
- Preparation for Thanksgiving on the Grill
- Thanksgiving co*cktail Ideas
- Thanksgiving Appetizers on the Grill or Smoker
- Thanksgiving Turkey on the Grill or Smoker
- Sides Dishes for Thanksgiving
- Thanksgiving Desserts on the Grill
- Wine Pairing for Thanksgiving
- Post Thanksgiving Dinner co*cktail
- Leftover Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas
- About Vindulge
Preparation for Thanksgiving on the Grill
To execute on successful Thanksgiving recipes, have a plan for the meal starting with how many people you’re having over. Next, have a prep plan for each day leading up to the holiday on Thursday.
We find shopping the Friday prior has the least crowds and makes for an easier shopping experience (and most of the ingredients will last the week).
- Pro Tip – Pre-Order your Turkey to ensure you have the right size you want, and be sure to account for thawing time. And be sure you give your turkey enough time to THAW! At least three days for the average size turkeys.
- Prep Plan – We cater and that means writing down the timeline and the plan. This makes sure you defrost your turkey in time and have enough time to brine or prepare your other dishes.
- Delegate – There is nothing wrong with having guests bring something to share. Consider a beverage or delegating a dessert. Or have guests prep one of the side dishes that you can simply finish warming up on your outdoor cooker.
- Brining – Plan 24 – 36 hours for a turkey brine. Using a brine is a great technique for smoking Turkey because it helps retain moisture and adds some flavor.
You can read all our advice for the ultimate smoked turkey and be sure to read up on how to achieve perfect crispy skin.
Thanksgiving co*cktail Ideas
If we have people over, we love to make an easy drink that can serve a crowd. The more complicated the drink, the less time we have for preparing food and hanging with our friends or family. Mimosa’s are a great way to do that.
Apple Cider Mimosa
Since fall is prime apple season, a little sparkling wine added to fresh apple cider is the perfect Thanksgiving drink idea. Or get inspired from our mimosa bar ideas.
5 from 1 vote
Apple Cider Mimosa Recipe
Fresh apple cider plus sparkling wine for the perfect apple cider co*cktail. This will be your go-to fall co*cktail.
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Bourbon Spiked Hot Apple Cider
Alternatively you can warm up some apple cider and let your guests add Bourbon or whiskey as a warm Thanksgiving co*cktail idea.
4.43 from 83 votes
Bourbon Spiked Hot Apple Cider Recipe
A soothing and comforting spiked apple cider made with Bourbon. Can be served warm or cold over ice.
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Pomegranate Mimosa
Elevate your mimosa game with flavor and color. Use Pomegranate juice and sparkling wine and finish with fresh pomegranate seeds. It’s a stunning flavor and looks amazing too.
4.60 from 5 votes
Pomegranate Mimosa
A delicious and festive Pomegranate Mimosa made with sparkling wine, Cointreau, and pomegranate juice. The perfect champagne co*cktail recipe for holiday parties!
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Bourbon co*cktail with Grilled Lemon Simple Syrup
In the theme of make ahead, grill lemons to make a grilled lemon simple syrup. Combine with Bourbon (or whiskey) for a our grilled Bourbon co*cktail.
5 from 2 votes
Bourbon co*cktail Recipe with Grilled Lemon Simple Syrup
Grilled lemons infused into a simple syrup and mixed with bourbon and bitters. A great summer co*cktail.
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Pomegranate Ginger Beer co*cktail
Nothing says Thanksgiving co*cktails like using pomegranate. This pomegranate co*cktail is not overly sweet with a nice kick from good ginger beer.
5 from 1 vote
Ginger Pomegranate co*cktail
Ginger Pomegranate Spritz is a loose take on a classic co*cktail. This refreshing drink is made with ginger beer, pomegranate flavored Italian soda, fresh lime, vodka, and some fresh herbs. It's the perfect refreshing holiday co*cktail this season.
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Thanksgiving Appetizers on the Grill or Smoker
When guests arrive it’s great to have some Thanksgiving themed appetizers. We start with a basic cheese and charcuterie platter, combined with some of our smoked nuts, and a welcoming co*cktail or glass of sparkling wine.
Smoked Almonds
These almonds are slowly roasted in the smoker for three hours and can be made weeks prior to the day. They have a slight bacon flavor and simply seasoned with kosher salt and extra virgin olive oil. If you want more of a mixed party nut recipe, check out our smoked candied mixed nuts.
5 from 3 votes
Smoked Almonds
Roasting almonds using a low and slow method to get an amazing smoky flavor and crunch. We add a touch of extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt to finish.
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Grilled Brie Cheese
As part of our cheese platter, we add a nice goat cheese and a nice hard cheese, like Manchego. For our cows cheese, we grill up a brie round with some wine and serve with crostini. For even more flavor top it with some of your favorite jam in place of the herbs.
4.49 from 25 votes
Grilled Baked Brie with Wine and Thyme
Grilled brie wheel with white wine and thyme served with grilled crostini.
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Blackberry Jam With Grilled Brie
Buy fresh or frozen blackberries and make this Thanksgiving appetizer hit. It’s ready in minutes and is made at every party we ever host.
5 from 4 votes
Grilled Baked Brie with Blackberry Jam
Grilled Baked Brie with a homemade blackberry jam is an excellent holiday party appetizer! Use fresh or frozen blackberries for one of the best appetizer recipes.
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Grilled Green Bean Bundles
Wrap prosciutto around blanched string beans and grill them for 10 minutes. Easy to make ahead and serve warm.
5 from 1 vote
Easy Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Blanched green beans seasoned with salt and pepper and wrapped with savory prosciutto. Then grilled over direct heat for an amazing grilled green bean and prosciutto appetizer.
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Smoked Deviled Eggs
A meat and cheese platter won’t aways satisfy everyone, which is why we also make a batch of our smoked deviled eggs. Smoked eggs, combined with a savory and pickled flavor, is our favorite style. We also top it with bacon or leftover brisket for great presentation.
5 from 1 vote
Smoked Deviled Eggs Recipe
Recipe for Smoked Deviled Eggs. Smoke deviled eggs and add the perfect combination of crunch, pickle, and flavor. Plus creative topping ideas.
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Thanksgiving Turkey on the Grill or Smoker
Smoked Turkey is the main star. We save Smoked Prime Rib and Pork Roasts for other holidays. For a larger crowd we have learned that getting a couple of smaller (12 – 14) pound Turkeys are the way to go to avoid overcooking them. Or, if you’re planning a smaller crowd this year, grab a turkey breast instead of the full bird.
Turkey Seasoning
This seasoning is our go to for any of our smoked turkey recipes. It’s a savory mix with kosher salt, dried herbs, and the distinct flavor of fennel. If you want something with some sugar use our ultimate dry rub.
5 from 1 vote
Easy Homemade Turkey Seasoning Recipe
An easy Homemade Turkey Seasoning perfect for your Thanksgiving or Holiday Turkey. This no-sugar seasoning is savory and herbal for the ultimate flavor.
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Bourbon Brined Smoked Turkey
Brined with aromatics and bourbon, this tender turkey has been one of our most popular recipes on the web for years.
4.48 from 118 votes
Smoked Turkey Recipe with Bourbon Brine
Truly the Best Smoked Turkey recipe, packed with flavor, from a bourbon citrus brine, to an herbed butter, to a great turkey seasoning. Rated as the best turkey brines for smoking, this is the juiciest and most flavorful turkey ever.
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Perfect Pellet Grill Turkey
Pellet grills are a great way to add smoke and then crank up the heat for crispy skin. We use our turkey seasoning and we spatchco*ck for the ultimate pellet grill smoked turkey.
5 from 2 votes
Smoked Pellet Grill Turkey Recipe
Using this method and recipe you will get perfect juicy smoked turkey with crispy skin every single time. Follow the simple steps of Brine, Spatchco*ck, Season, Smoke, for the best smoked turkey.
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Spatchco*ck Smoked Turkey
The Best way to get an even cook without drying out the meat is to spatchco*ck. By removing the back bone, you can flatten the turkey and allow things to cook more evenly.
4.78 from 9 votes
Smoked Spatchco*cked Turkey Recipe with Cajun Seasoning
An easy way to smoke turkey by spatchco*cking, or removing the backbone, and seasoning with cajun spices.
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Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
A perfect Thanksgiving dinner idea for a smaller crowd. Brine and glaze for the great flavor you expect, without having a ton of leftovers. You can do bone-in or boneless with the recipe.
5 from 3 votes
Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe
Brined and smoked turkey breast served with smoked turkey gravy.
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Cajun Grilled Turkey Breast
Another twist on a turkey breast. Coated with a flavorful Cajun seasoning, and grilled to perfection. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious.
5 from 1 vote
Cajun Grilled Turkey Breast Recipe
Grilled Cajun Turkey Breast with a savory and spicy finish. Add butter just under the skin for more flavor and moisture. A great Thanksgiving recipe for a small crowd or as alternative to a large turkey.
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Want to try a new technique to cut the turkey in half, speeding up the cooking process? Check out our cookbook, Fire + Wine, for a step by step guide on our Spatchco*cked Turkey recipe.
And if you are looking for other fun roast ideas, check out our full holiday list of recipes.
Sides Dishes for Thanksgiving
There is no Thanksgiving without some of our favorite sides. And yes, we do experiment with at least one new side dish every year. But these are our tried and true classics that we have every single year because we love the flavor so much.
Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls
Easy quick-rise dinner rolls grilled to perfection. These golden brown rolls are chewy with that nice crusty exterior with that extra wood fire flavor. Ready in under 90 minutes from beginning to end.
5 from 3 votes
Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls Recipe (on the Grill)
These amazing and simple homemade dinner rolls are ready and baked in under 90 minutes, and grilled indirect. Prepared in a cast iron skillet and cooked on the grill for the best flavor for your holiday meals.
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Grilled Wild Mushroom Stuffing
Three varieties of mushrooms, leeks, and crusty bread all combined for a savory and rich wild mushroom stuffing. One Thanksgiving recipe we have on our table every year.
5 from 1 vote
Grilled Wild Mushroom and Leek Stuffing
A classic, delicious, herbal and savory wild mushroom stuffing cooked on the grill. This incredible vegetarian Thanksgiving or holiday side dish is full of incredible flavor and is sure to become a favorite.
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Smoked Sausage, Caramelized Onion, and Cornbread Stuffing
Our original inspiration for this dish was a simple cornbread stuffing from Tyler Florence. We eventually modified it to included some smoked hot Italian style sausage and a few other ingredients that just scream fall and holidays. We also cook it directly on the grill!
4.58 from 7 votes
Smoked Sausage, Caramelized Onion, and Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
A simple smoked sausage, caramelized onion, and cornbread stuffing for Thanksgiving, cooked on the smoker or grill.
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Red Wine Cranberry Sauce
Jazz up cranberry sauce with some wine! Yes, that’s right. Everyone is gonna want seconds of this flavorful homemade cranberry sauce.
4.67 from 6 votes
Red Wine Cranberry Sauce Recipe
An easy homemade cranberry sauce recipe infused with wine. A great holiday side dish.
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Grilled Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
If you grew up with bland brussels, then you need to revisit them. These aregrilled on skewers and topped with someBACON(!)and balsamic.
4.89 from 9 votes
Grilled Brussels Sprouts Recipe With Bacon and Balsamic
Grilled Brussels Sprouts are the ultimate vegetable side dish! When you add bacon and balsamic to your Brussels this grilled side dish is over-the-top.
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Acorn Squash
Thinly sliced acorn squash over direct heat and finished with a real maple syrup glaze.
5 from 1 vote
Grilled Acorn Squash recipe with Maple Syrup Glaze
Grilled slices of acorn squash finished with a maple syrup glaze. This easy recipe makes for a great holiday side dish or addition to a salad.
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Smoked Turkey Collard Greens
We didn’t grow up with this dish, it was introduced to us by our dear friend Lynn almost a decade ago. These greens are slowly braised with a smoked turkey leg and vinegar. Combine the two flavors and you have tender and amazing collard greens.
4.67 from 3 votes
Collard Greens Recipe With Smoked Turkey Leg
How to make smoked collard greens with a homemade smoked turkey leg. One key tip is to be sure the collards are gently rolled or massaged to tenderize them.
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Grilled Mashed Sweet Potato
Thanksgiving dinner has to include sweet potatoes right? Growing up, we were used to the baked version topped with marshmallow, but these elegant grilled sweet potatoes are par boiled, grilled, and then mashed with incredible flavor and texture.
5 from 1 vote
Grilled Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Slightly smoky and savory grilled mashed sweet potato recipe with sweet finish of maple syrup. Awesome side dish for the holidays or fall dinners.
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Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Smoked Honey Butter
Instead of candied yams, why not opt for a whole grilled potato and top itwith some smoked honey butter. YUM!
4.63 from 8 votes
Grilled Sweet Potato Recipe with Smoked Honey Butter
A grilled sweet potato with savory dry rub. Soft, flavorful, and easy to make on any grill. This is a great alternative cooking method for a baked sweet potato.
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Grilled Beet Salad with Wine Infused Cranberries
Grilled roasted beets are tossed with bacon, Parmesan cheese, and wine infused cranberries for an incredible salad.
5 from 3 votes
Grilled Beet Salad with Rosé Infused Cranberries and Bacon
Beets are incredible cooked on the grill, and even better topped with rosé wine infused cranberries and smoked bacon. This will be your favorite salad all summer long!
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Smoked Turkey and Bourbon Gravy
You have to have gravy. And of course, our gravy is smoked. We simmer a smoked turkey leg (or thigh) in some chicken stock until it reduces and thickens into a beautiful smoked turkey gravy.
4.62 from 21 votes
Smoked Turkey Gravy Recipe with Bourbon
A simple way to make smoked Thanksgiving turkey gravy with added flavor of bourbon and thyme.
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Grilled Green Beans
Grilled, crunchy, slightly sweet, and finished with some grilled lemon. This is a simple dish with outstanding flavor.
5 from 2 votes
Easy Grilled Green Beans Recipe with Grilled Lemon
Grilling green beans makes for an easy side dish to make on the grill. Add grilled lemon for an added twist of flavor.
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Glazed and Grilled Carrots
Grilled to perfection with a simple honey and brown sugar glaze.
4.36 from 37 votes
Grilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe
Grilled Carrots with a Honey Brown Sugar Glaze are a fantastic side dish to any holiday or casual meal. Perfect side dish for Easter or Christmas dinner or summer grilling season.
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Thanksgiving Desserts on the Grill
Thanksgiving ain’t Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie, right?! It’s a little crazy to think a dessert is needed for such a day of so much food… but yes, we have some pies as well. And this is one we like to make the day before. Top the pie with either ice cream or smoked whipped cream.
Grilled Apple Pie
This Dutch style apple pie is grilled to perfection using store-bought dough and a delicious butter and sugar crumble. It’s classic apple pie only easier with a smoky flavor.
5 from 2 votes
Easy Grilled Apple Pie (Dutch Apple Pie style)
An amazing apple pie filled with the sweet and tart flavors of apples, citrus and spices, and topped with a buttery and rich crumble, and cooked on the grill for a festive holiday treat!
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Grilled Pumpkin Pie
Since we want Thanksgiving day to be stress free, the grilled pumpkin pie can be made the day prior and ready to serve when dinner is over.
5 from 1 vote
Grilled Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Grilled pumpkin pie with traditional spice flavor and topped with candied pecans. An incredible dessert for your holiday spread.
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Grilled Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
Pecan Pie is a classic, and it’s so easy to make. This one has some bourbon and maple syrup for added flavor. Cook it on the grill for a fun smoky twist.
4.50 from 2 votes
Grilled Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe
An easy grilled pecan pie recipe where we substitute maple syrup for the corn syrup and add a dash of bourbon for flare.
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Grilled Apple Crisp
Warm grilledapple crisp toppedwith vanilla bean ice cream is the most comforting dessert we make. It’s pure fall!
5 from 2 votes
Grilled Apple Crisp
How to make a traditional apple crisp on the grill. Grilled Apple Crisp is going to become your new favorite fall dessert! It's also the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving dinner!
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Smoked Whipped Cream
No matter what dessert you make, top it with this simple smoked whipped cream and it will add that “wow” factor to any sweet treat.
4.67 from 3 votes
Smoked Whipped Cream
How to smoked cream to use as a base for perfect Smoked Whipped Cream for your favorite desserts.
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Wine Pairing for Thanksgiving
As we noted earlier, we start with a welcoming drink. For wine, we don’t overthink the options. We like to plan one sparkling, one white, and one red option. Then scale up how many bottles based on how many people are coming.
Portions: The general rule is one bottle of wine per adult.
Because of the diversity of the food, any combination of white and red wines will work because the food and the company is the main star of this event.
- Sparkling Wine – Sparkling wine pairs with any type of food. We opt for a good Oregon Sparkline wine or a nice Prosecco. Or you can seek out rarer wines like Brazilian Sparkling Wine or a good Champagne.
- Riesling – Riesling, especially a dry one, stands up to the diverse flavors of the food.
- Zinfandel – Big tannic reds don’t pair as well with Thanksgiving Dinner. But a juicy well made red Zinfandel has great structure and is fruity.
But if you want a few words of advice, check out our wine guide below to help give you some inspiration.
Vindulge Thanksgiving Wine Guide
Post Thanksgiving Dinner co*cktail
If you are looking for a fun post-dinner co*cktail, Mulled Wine is a great one to have prepared. The warm holiday co*cktail is perfect thing to sip on after all that food.
5 from 1 vote
Mulled Wine Recipe
Mulled Wine is a comforting festive drink made from a blend of red wine, spices, and citrus, served warm. This holiday classic recipe is easy to make and is a great co*cktail for winter parties.
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Leftover Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas
It’s likely you have lots of food leftover. Try some of these to make that meal last.
Smoked Buffalo Turkey Dip
Take your leftover turkey and turn it into a Buffalo style cheese dip. This is comfort food elevated.
4.93 from 14 votes
Smoked Buffalo Turkey Dip Recipe
The ultimate leftover turkey idea is a Smoked Buffalo Turkey Dip. Cheesy and delicious.
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Green Chile Turkey
This green chile (or chili) turkey uses green bell peppers and leftover turkey to make a thick soupy and savory soup. You can also substitute the bell peppers with Hatch Green Chile.
5 from 1 vote
Green Chili Turkey Recipe
This can be a great use for leftover turkey, or as a main meal. Serve over rice or as a filling for tacos or burritos.
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We hope this list inspires you for some Thanksgiving Dinner ideas for your grill or smoker.
And from us at Vindulge we wish you the most amazing Thanksgiving. We’d love to hear what your favorite dishes are for the day. And if you made any of these recipes don’t forget to drop a comment or rate any of the recipes you make.
About Vindulge
About Vindulge
Mary (a certified sommelier and recipe developer) and Sean (backyard pitmaster) are co-authors of the critically acclaimed cookbook, Fire + Wine, and have been creating content for the IACP nominated website Vindulge since 2009. They live in Oregon on a farm just outside Portland.
Now on 2nd edition
Fire + Wine Cookbook
“This book is a one-stop guide for anyone truly interested in elevating their BBQ experience into a culinary work of art.”
5 out of 5 Stars
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